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Reconciliation Action Plan

Our vision for a school that is inclusive to all, recognises the contribution of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and promotes equality and fairness.

Vision Statement

Merbein P-10 College's vision for reconciliation is to provide a setting that is inclusive to all, recognises the contribution of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and promotes equality and fairness. We strive to provide an environment where all students feel they belong and are able to succeed. Our vision acknowledges our shared history and looks toward forging a path together, inclusive of all our students, that is culturally safe, proud and leads to a hopeful future.

Respect

Establishing strong and respectful relationships

Merbein P-10 College promotes positive relationships between students and adults and between students and their peers. These relationships are based on trust and respect (Merbein P10 College Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, pg. 2, 2023). For our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families, we think this must start with ensuring that all staff are involved in professional learning activities that encourage lifelong learning and allow them to grow their own cultural responsiveness and understanding. We encourage our staff to be self-reflective and to challenge any unhelpful and biased assumptions and actions. We understand this will help build strong, trusting and respectful relationships.

In our learning spaces

  • Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are completed for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including a 1:1 interview with classroom teachers, Sub-School Leaders or a Koorie Education Team member regarding each student's mob, connection to their culture and aspirations. These are shared via Compass with families at the end of Term One, providing a platform for building strong relationships and goal-setting in every Key Learning Area.

Around the school

  • Professional learning (CUST) is provided for all new staff at the start of the school year, with point-of-need PD offered when necessary.
  • A curriculum audit ensures the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority is met under the Victorian Curriculum 2.0.
  • The Koorie Student Action Team allows students to be involved in cultural programs and initiatives — creating the school mural and the Mildura City Council Reconciliation Banner, and planning events such as NAIDOC celebrations.
  • During formal assemblies, the older Primary students conduct an Acknowledgement of Country.

In the community

  • Celebrate events such as NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, Sorry Day and National Indigenous Literacy Day throughout the school.
  • Develop and share our RAP to build awareness, guide future actions and create accountability. Invite families and consulting community to be involved in projects such as NAIDOC and KSAT events.
  • Continue to build on our strong partnerships with Aboriginal agencies such as MDAS and DELWP.
Responsibility

Establishing a culturally safe environment

At Merbein P-10 College, we are committed to establishing an inclusive and culturally safe school where the strengths of Aboriginal culture, values and practices are respected. We think about how every student can have a positive experience in a safe environment. For Aboriginal students, we recognise the link between Aboriginal culture, identity and safety and actively create opportunities for Aboriginal students and the Aboriginal community to have a voice and presence in our school planning, policies and activities (Merbein P10 College Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy, pg. 4, 2023).

In our learning spaces

  • Embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts and histories into all curriculum areas across all year levels (P-10).
  • Where possible, classrooms incorporate Aboriginal names (Barkindji/Wiradjuri) alongside English words in their classroom themes and displays.
  • All Upper Primary classrooms have been taught an Acknowledgement of Country in AUSLAN specialist classes.

Around the school

  • Welcome/Acknowledgement of Country at all formal gatherings, meetings, assemblies and events.
  • The Aboriginal Australia map is displayed, alongside an Acknowledgement of Country, in every building.
  • Pride of culture and history is built into the physical spaces of the school, including a yarning circle and an acknowledgement plaque written by our KSAT.
  • The Koorie Student Action Team is involved in projects throughout the school, including displays of upcoming events, library displays and dancing at the Merbein P-10 Performing Arts Showcase.
  • Staff are supported to attend professional development such as Anti-Racism forums that teach about and help guide positive action against racism.

In the community

  • Fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags every day.
  • An acknowledgement plaque recognises First Nations people and their contribution to our community.
Quality

Providing quality education programs & opportunities

At Merbein P-10 College, we are committed to providing quality education programs that meet the needs of all our students. We are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and culture are embedded in all our curriculum areas. We are mindful that, for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, educational settings have not always been fair and equitable, and we are committed to providing additional programs when needed.

In our learning spaces

  • Koorie Early Years Literacy Programs, coordinated by Kylie Cummings, are provided to identified Primary students each year.
  • Secondary planning documents provide provisions for cultural awareness in all learning areas, ensuring staff are conscious of any extra considerations, biases and issues that may occur during planned lessons.
  • A Cultural Awareness Unit is taught throughout Term Two for the Year 8 Neighbourhood Time, following a Term One unit exploring our Merbein P-10 core values, aligned to the Victorian Curriculum Level 8 Intercultural and Personal and Social Capabilities. Prior to launch, the unit was presented to our local Mildura and Swan Hill Koorie Education Support staff for consultation and feedback.

Around the school

  • The Koorie Education Team meets fortnightly to ensure the needs of our students and families are being met.

In the community

  • Invite families and community members to monthly meetings to consult on projects such as NAIDOC and KSAT events.
  • Support and facilitate opportunities — Koorie Big Day Out, RISE camp, and Melbourne University teacher visits — for our students and families to be involved in.
  • Organise transition visits from both the Clontarf and Stars Academies to support our students transitioning to the Senior College.
  • Continue to build strong partnerships between our school, families and external agencies.